My BNI Story
From Rags to Riches

My BNI story is not new, though it's not told often enough. I have been blessed with the gift of BNI.

My gift was given to me in September, six years ago. I was a struggling soon-to-be divorced mother of two, new to sales and having a rough time of it. My income was well under $25,000, and I did not receive child support. I had massive bills, which I was struggling to pay. My children and I left an abusive situation with literally only the clothes on our back. It was one of the most stressful periods in my life—one I will never forget it.

One day, someone who I had been working with invited me to a BNI meeting. I thought I was doing way too much already to build my business and didn't have time to go to an hour-and-half meeting. He said, "Just come once." After attending the first BNI meeting I scrambled to borrow the money for my membership, because I saw referrals being passed and business relationships thriving. I was welcomed with open arms and felt like I had come "home."

Christmas fell just a few weeks after I joined my BNI group. One day, frustrated, worn out, and without money for Christmas presents, I walked into my office—and burst into tears. My BNI friends had purchased presents for my children. They also gave our family household items. I will never forget the spirit of Givers Gain that flowed through my office that day.

It didn't take long to recoup the funds, and six years later, I take home an after-tax profit of approximately $50,000. My children have grown up with BNI and understand the concept of Givers Gain. BNI is a "gift" that shouldn't be kept to yourself. Tell everyone—tell someone—because you never know when you'll help turn someone's life around.

Shannon M. Smith, Referral Masters Chapter, Assistant Regional Director, BNI East Tennessee


#50 Truth or Delusion: Networking Can Only Be Used to Build Business Relationships

Delusion! Cynthia Greenawalt-Carvajal proved that isn't true. She is the BNI director for Fort Lauderdale, and also the most generous, intuitive, and tenacious networker I have met. She is the person who gave me "the best referral ever."

We met at the 2004 Directors' Conference in Michigan. I attended the conference as a corporate sponsor and immediately made friends with Cynthia, who took me under her wing. In one seminar we took together we were asked to share our heart's desire—not allowing any compromise. I said that more than anything I wanted to meet my life partner.

Having gotten to know each other quite well, Cynthia said, "I might know someone. Do you want to meet her?" She contacted a friend from high school who still lived in Michigan. Turns out her friend had so many bad blind dates she didn't respond. Undeterred, Cynthia called the next day asking if she had gotten the first message, saying I was only in for the weekend. When she didn't get a reply, Cynthia called a third time and said, "I think you really ought to meet him. I'd date him myself if I weren't married." That got a reply.

It took three tries for her friend to respond. Ever have that happen with a business deal? Her friend came to meet me in the lobby of the hotel.

When Jackie walked into the lobby our eyes immediately fixed on each other. Jackie didn't know I was the one Cynthia had in mind, but she didn't care. She knew I was "the one." That was May 22, 2004. I moved from New England to Michigan in July, and we were married May 19, 2005 in Massachusetts. Cindy came to the wedding to be honored as "The Matchmaker."

That's what a master networker does—without thinking about it. She helped a new and old friend by giving each their heart's desire.

I'm still active in BNI, working to build a laser printer toner business in southeast Michigan. My friends might be tired of my constant praise of BNI, but if you got the referral of a lifetime, you might sing its praises too.

David Parker, account manager, Precise Print Toner, Kalamazoo - Southfield - Ann Arbor – Lansing


Life Goal: Complete!

It's a mad world of emails, voice mails, text messaging, faxes, cell phones, documents, and sticky notes. Navigating through my daily activities and feeling overwhelmed was the impetus for starting my own business as a professional organizer.

I started my business, Organize to Optimize, three and a half years ago. I quickly honed my skills with training classes and experience, but I wasn't quite sure how to get the word out and grow. I had heard about networking, but didn't fully understand how to do it.

BNI helped me learn how to make the most of networking. And thanks to the support of the colleagues that I met through BNI, I met a goal that I had for several years. I published my first book, Organize Your Office for Life. As a sign of support, my chapter referred publishers, editors, and graphic designers. Without that network, I wouldn't have been able to find those resources as quickly and easily. I am so thankful … and a true believer in the BNI system!

Nicole Bickett, www.organize2optimize.com


Down-and-Out to On Top

A few years ago I was involved in a serious car crash which left me struggling to hold on to my two companies. After 16 operations in a little under 18 months, I found myself sitting in a bar. A few minutes after I arrived, an old school friend came up to me and we started chatting about getting back into the swing of work and doing what I do best.

At the time, he was the membership coordinator of the Lander Chapter BNI in Cornwall UK. I went along for a couple of meetings, and after two and a bit years, I'm the chapter director. My companies are more than successful, and it's greatly due to the support and encouragement I received from my fellow BNI members. Because of their support, I got carried away with referral giving, handing out 150 in a three-month period.

I am grateful for BNI getting me back on track. The referrals, friendships, and network are a direct result of my membership.

Damian Lambkin, Cornwall Lander Chapter, UK


"The McDonald's of Networking"

I recently spoke to a gentleman I had just met when he mentioned he would love to join a BNI chapter. A little later in the conversation I asked him, "How did you hear about BNI?" His answer blew me away. He said, "Doesn't everyone in business know about BNI? It's the McDonald's of networking!" I was so thrilled with his response, I almost hugged him.

And, yes, he joined one of my chapters!

Gayle Williams, Executive Director, BNI-Southwest


The BNI Way: More Profitable; More Fun

I am a happy BNI member who recently joined Ecademy. I run a graphic/web design firm in Southern California and BNI has transformed my business. In fact, I don't know that I would be in business without it. I recommend it to every business person I meet. Without BNI, the world would be much less profitable and definitely less fun!

Karen Schmedeke, Dezign Matters Creative Group, Inc.


The Missing Puzzle: A Site Rich with Resources

I was recently putting together a presentation I'm going to give at a BNI chapter meeting. The president of the chapter asked me to speak about what constitutes a good referral. I put together my presentation off the top of my head but felt that I was missing something. So I went to the BNI website and the Education Coordinator section and found page 24—the missing puzzle piece.

The BNI site is a great resource!

Miriam Burrows, Free Advertising, Inc.


Business that Lasts

Ten years ago at my first BNI meeting, I was referred to a BNI member's wife. As a hairdresser, I look for client loyalty and retention. And in this business, retaining clients for three years is considered good. The member who gave the referral was only in the chapter the first few years; however, ten years later his wife is still an active client!

BNI business does not leave.

Ted Halone, South Metro Chapter, Minnesota, www.YourSalonCoach.com